Useful links
Unit of study_
AVBS1003: Animals and Us
2025 unit information
We live in a world surrounded by, and dependent on, animals. Australia has one of the highest rates of animal ownership in the world but also the highest rate of wild mammalian extinctions. In this unit you will explore the relationships and interconnections between humans and companion, domestic and wild animals. You will investigate the domestication of animals, positive and negative impacts of animals on human health and vice versa, behaviour and conditioning, how cultural perspectives influence our use of animals, impacts on wildlife and the actions available to help conservation efforts along with the ethical and legislative underpinning of this. Experiential activities and real-world scenarios are designed to consolidate theoretical learning as you develop skills in scientific method, critical thinking, communication, and information/digital literacy. Animals and Us is co-taught by Taronga Conservation Society Australia with some classes at Taronga Zoo, utilising the zoo as a living classroom. Students make their own travel arrangements for classes at the Zoo. This unit is for students who are interested in a professional career working with animals, such as those in BVB/DVM, AVBS or Wildlife Conservation, or those who generally seek an understanding of how humans and animals are inextricably linked.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
None |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
WILD1001 |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Describe and give examples of how human and animal health are related
- LO2. Describe and give examples of how human-animal interactions are culturally influenced
- LO3. Analyse and evaluate research in the field of animal research
- LO4. Make informed decisions based on evidence to ensure the welfare and management of animals
- LO5. Describe the legislation and principles for the care and use of animals
- LO6. Independently analyse data and articulate the meaning in the results
- LO7. Communicate confidently both orally and in writing
- LO8. Work in a team with people from diverse backgrounds with inclusiveness, open mindedness, honesty and diligence
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Additional advice
Lectures and practicals for this unit of study take place on the University of Sydney Camperdown campus as well as at Taronga Zoo in the Institute of Science and Learning.
